Jack Bateman

Samuel S. Butcher Associate Professor in the Natural Sciences

Teaching this semester

BIOL 1023. Personal Genomes

An introduction to the field of genetics and its impact on the modern world. As the cost of DNA sequence analysis plummets, many believe that sequencing entire genomes of individuals will soon become part of routine preventative health care. How can information gleaned from genome affect decisions about health? Beyond medical applications, how might personal genetic information be used in other areas of life, and society as a whole? What ethical, legal, and social issues are raised by widespread use of genetic information? These questions are explored through readings, discussion, and writing assignments.

BIOL 3314. Advanced Genetics and Epigenetics

A seminar exploring the complex relationship between genotype and phenotype, with an emphasis on emerging studies of lesser-known mechanisms of inheritance and gene regulation. Topics include dosage compensation, parental imprinting, paramutation, random monoallelic expression, gene regulation by small RNAs, DNA elimination, copy number polymorphism, and prions. Reading and discussion of articles from the primary literature.

My lab studies how chromosomes are organized within the three-dimensional space of the nucleus, and, in particular, how physical interactions between chromosomes can influence gene expression. We focus on Drosophila melanogaster in part because of the amazing genetic tools available, and in part because there is extensive pairing between homologous chromosomes in this system, providing us with a simple model to study interchromosomal interactions. Some of our projects branch out into the development of new genetic technologies and resources for the Drosophila research community.

Education

Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Genetics,
Harvard Medical School

Ph.D. in Cellular and Developmental Biology,
Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School